Stowers Building To Become An Aloft Hotel At 820 Fannin St.

[Urbannizer]

Scroll down to Texas, and you'll see "Aloft Hotel - Downtown Houston, Opening June 2016". The location (820 Fannin Street) is the Stowers Building.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/directory/new-hotels/all/detail.html?sortType=region&brandFilter=AL

[scarface]

Good news. Great to see that downtown Houston hotels are starting to take off.

[lockmat]

What is used for right now?

[rechlin]

I think it's vacant.  I checked the other day, and not a single tenant is listed on the board in the lobby.  After all the money that was spent renovating it less than a decade ago, it's been sad to see it empty, but it'll probably cost quite a lot more to turn it into a hotel.  Glad to see it finally put to use!

[Nole23]

Great news!

[Subdude]

The Stowers Building was originally refurbished for "office condos," a concept that apparently never panned out.  Good to see that someone saw another use for it.

 

 

[Avossos]

The Stowers Building was originally refurbished for "office condos," a concept that apparently never panned out.  Good to see that someone saw another use for it.

 

So it looks like in the next 3 years...

 

Houston will have a dozen new hotels, which should definitely accomadate growth and ease the room issue.

1. Hotel Alessandra

2. Stowers Aloft

3. JW Marriott

4. Marriott Marquis

5. Hyatt Place

6. Homewood Suites

7. The other hotel sharing Hyatt's downtown block

 

Office space will be adding tons of office space with new and rennovated towers

 

1. 800 Bell

2. Chevron Tower

3. 609 Main

4. Capitol Tower

5. 6 Houston Center

6. International Tower - Possibly -

 

Residential is also beginning to boom... hopefully we see more in this area

 

1. 40 Story Market square Tower

2. Hines Market Square Tower

3. Fingers Ballpark Apts

4. The sliver 38 story tower behind Hess

5. Other 34 Story tower near the ballpark

6. 10 Story apts South DT

7. The 8 / 12 Story buildings South DT

8. The 5 Story apartments in South DT

9. Skyhouse

 

Am I missing anything? With all these things going up.... what areas does Houston DT grow? I think Retail would grow... but those arent big buildings. Would we have met all market needs at this point?

[Nate99]

Very interesting. 

[Naviguessor]

Another hotel within a block of the Rails. (That's two in one day!)

So, W Hotels has been scouting Houston then. Let's hope they compliment this baby with one of their full service properties.

[lockmat]

So stowers is on the same block with BG group?

[Subdude]

So stowers is on the same block with BG group?

 

Yes, southeast quarter of the block.

[Houston19514]

So it looks like in the next 3 years...

 

Houston will have a dozen new hotels, which should definitely accomadate growth and ease the room issue.

1. Hotel Alessandra  225 rooms

2. Stowers Aloft  150 rooms?  (Just guessing)

3. JW Marriott   325 rooms

4. Marriott Marquis  1100 rooms

5. Hyatt Place   261 rooms

6. Homewood Suites  132 rooms

7. The other hotel sharing Hyatt's downtown block (Hampton Inn)  168 rooms

8. Springhill Suites  166 rooms

9. Holiday Inn 250 rooms (Just guessing)

 

Total hotel rooms to be added to downtown Houston:  2,777

This will take the total downtown hotel inventory to very close to 8,000 rooms, compared to about 1,800 a mere 13 years ago.

 

Am I missing anything? With all these things going up.... what areas does Houston DT grow? I think Retail would grow... but those arent big buildings. Would we have met all market needs at this point?

 

Springhill Suites Hotel replacing the Humble Tower apartments.

Holiday Inn (Savoy)

 

(The other hotel sharing the Hyatt Place downtown block is Hampton Inn.)

 

I took the liberty of adding the two additional hotels to your list and also added the room counts.

 

Edited March 26, 2014 by Houston19514

[cloud713]

Avossos, on 26 Mar 2014 - 12:02 PM, said:

So it looks like in the next 3 years...

 

Houston will have a dozen new hotels, which should definitely accomadate growth and ease the room issue.

1. Hotel Alessandra  225 rooms

2. Stowers Aloft  150 rooms?  (Just guessing)

3. JW Marriott   325 rooms

4. Marriott Marquis  1100 rooms

5. Hyatt Place   261 rooms

6. Homewood Suites  132 rooms

7. The other hotel sharing Hyatt's downtown block (Hampton Inn)  168 rooms

8. Springhill Suites  166 rooms

9. Holiday Inn 250 rooms (Just guessing)

 

Total hotel rooms to be added to downtown Houston:  2,777

 

Am I missing anything? With all these things going up.... what areas does Houston DT grow? I think Retail would grow... but those arent big buildings. Would we have met all market needs at this point?

nice.. almost a dozen new hotels in downtown alone. thats around 2,750 new hotel rooms.. i wonder how that will affect existing hotels prices. with all these new rooms will hotels continue to be able to charge the same high expenses?
along with that W thats scouting for locations (i have a feeling it will be Uptown.. maybe where the AmReit property is at San Felipe and Post Oak), Ritz is apparently actively looking for locations downtown and were trying to find one close to Discovery Green or something. there arent many plots left near discogreen with a view of the park though, so i wish they would build where International Tower is supposed to go on Market Square since that ones likely to not happen for a number of years, if ever (i think a hotel would be a nice complement to MS).

[Avossos]

nice.. almost a dozen new hotels in downtown alone. thats around 2,750 new hotel rooms.. i wonder how that will affect existing hotels prices. with all these new rooms will hotels continue to be able to charge the same high expenses?

along with that W thats scouting for locations (i have a feeling it will be Uptown.. maybe where the AmReit property is at San Felipe and Post Oak), Ritz is apparently actively looking for locations downtown and were trying to find one close to Discovery Green or something. there arent many plots left near discogreen with a view of the park though, so i wish they would build where International Tower is supposed to go on Market Square since that ones likely to not happen for a number of years, if ever (i think a hotel would be a nice complement to MS).

 

If the Rtiz is "looking" they better act fast because alot of the lots are being eaten up. That Embassy Suites really ruined a good lot - I wish the Ritz could have gone there... Maybe they do not want to be right next to the Four Seasons...

 

I agree the W will likely be in WestCreek or near RiverOaks area. Possibly even in  Upper Kirby.

 

So it looks like in the next 3 years...

 

Houston will have a dozen new hotels, which should definitely accomadate growth and ease the room issue.

1. Hotel Alessandra  225 rooms

2. Stowers Aloft  150 rooms?  (Just guessing)

3. JW Marriott   325 rooms

4. Marriott Marquis  1100 rooms

5. Hyatt Place   261 rooms

6. Homewood Suites  132 rooms

7. The other hotel sharing Hyatt's downtown block (Hampton Inn)  168 rooms

8. Springhill Suites  166 rooms

9. Holiday Inn 250 rooms (Just guessing)

 

Total hotel rooms to be added to downtown Houston:  2,777

 

Am I missing anything? With all these things going up.... what areas does Houston DT grow? I think Retail would grow... but those arent big buildings. Would we have met all market needs at this point?

 

Nice - I can't imagine many more going in after this... downtown at least.

[mollusk]

The Stowers Building was originally refurbished for "office condos," a concept that apparently never panned out.  Good to see that someone saw another use for it.

 

In the early '80s, about five minutes before the end of that particular boom, I worked for a property development company that also had the bright idea of doing an office condo conversion.  It didn't work out then, either.

 

With 20 - 20 hindsight, I think that most office based businesses prefer the flexibility for expanding and shrinking space to meet current and short to mid term projected needs that a lease offers, and that isn't really practical with an ownership model.  In addition, the tax treatment is just easier.  Finally, people who are interested in investing in real estate are more likely to go toward transactions that are more clearly geared to being an investment for its own sake, rather than as an operating adjunct to their primary business.

[sevfiv]

Great news! I just passed by Stowers earlier today and noticed it was still vacant. And yeah, it's the only building that was left on the square block to make room for BG Group/MainPlace (Montagu Hotel, West Building, Bond Building, among others were torn down).

[UtterlyUrban]

Residential is also beginning to boom... hopefully we see more in this area

1. 40 Story Market square Tower

2. Hines Market Square Tower

3. Fingers Ballpark Apts

4. The sliver 38 story tower behind Hess

5. Other 34 Story tower near the ballpark

6. 10 Story apts South DT

7. The 8 / 12 Story buildings South DT

8. The 5 Story apartments in South DT

9. Skyhouse

Hi guys! I am new here and a new resident of Downtown. I know about skyhouse and the fingers ballpark apartments but many of these other resi projects I had no idea about. Would folks be so kind as to give a an update on them or point me in the right direction to get info?

Thanks!

[Subdude]

Hi guys! I am new here and a new resident of Downtown. I know about skyhouse and the fingers ballpark apartments but many of these other resi projects I had no idea about. Would folks be so kind as to give a an update on them or point me in the right direction to get info?

Thanks!

 

There is a topic on just about every one.  Start here for a recap:

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/28590-development-list-for-buildings-in-houston-march-2014/page-4

[UtterlyUrban]

There is a topic on just about every one. Start here for a recap:

http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/28590-development-list-for-buildings-in-houston-march-2014/page-4

Thanks for this.

.......

Time to educate myself.......

[Subdude]

Thanks for this.

.......

Time to educate myself.......

 

It will probably be a case of information overload!

 

And welcome to HAIF.

[htownproud]

I think this will be hotel overload for downtown.  Where are all these people staying now?  We get a lot of visitors for the O&G industry, but a lot of those companies are not located downtown (unfortunately).  And for the Superbowl and OTC it will be great, but the rest of the year I would imagine that these places will have a high vacancy rate.  I'm sure these companies do the math, but I am suspect . . .

[Subdude]

I think this will be hotel overload for downtown.  Where are all these people staying now?  We get a lot of visitors for the O&G industry, but a lot of those companies are not located downtown (unfortunately).  And for the Superbowl and OTC it will be great, but the rest of the year I would imagine that these places will have a high vacancy rate.  I'm sure these companies do the math, but I am suspect . . .

 

Perhaps not.  According to the 2025 GRB Development Plan, lack of proximate hotel rooms is the single biggest competitive disadvantage for Houston conventions.  At a minimum an additional 1000 rooms are required; to compete with, for example, Denver, we would have to double close-by hotel space.

[Naviguessor]

Htown, I am a bit suspect too and in the short term occupancy rates will be probably be flat.  But, the Hotel industry is very niche oriented and competitive as well.  If Hilton Builds, Marriott will want a property.  If Hampton Inn goes in, then count on Holiday Inn Express and so on.  It's about market share and Loyalty programs.  However, the convention and meeting industry is self perpetuating.  So, the more inventory, the more meetings, the more room nights.  But...there will certainly be times of reduced occupancy after times of rapid expansion. 

[Avossos]

Htown, I am a bit suspect too and in the short term occupancy rates will be probably be flat.  But, the Hotel industry is very niche oriented and competitive as well.  If Hilton Builds, Marriott will want a property.  If Hampton Inn goes in, then count on Holiday Inn Express and so on.  It's about market share and Loyalty programs.  However, the convention and meeting industry is self perpetuating.  So, the more inventory, the more meetings, the more room nights.  But...there will certainly be times of reduced occupancy after times of rapid expansion. 

 

I tend to agree - If you throw in the ritz, its a lot to digest.. but there are often times that my downtown company has literally no choice but sending people to hotels out west or south of downtown during quarterly meetings - these meetings are planning at low times of downtown events. Houston's downtown is literally stuffed with people 90% of the time and there is a sizable overflow. These new hotels may struggle at times, but i would guess that they are going to be OK. their existance and ammenities will bring more attention and events downtown. The GRB will be propelled to a new high, so this is a positive positive situation for all (forgot the economic term).

[UtterlyUrban]

I think this will be hotel overload for downtown. Where are all these people staying now? We get a lot of visitors for the O&G industry, but a lot of those companies are not located downtown (unfortunately). And for the Superbowl and OTC it will be great, but the rest of the year I would imagine that these places will have a high vacancy rate. I'm sure these companies do the math, but I am suspect . . .

As a frequent business traveler to downtown Houston over the last 4 years (prior to moving here recently), I can assure you that trying to book a hotel in downtown on short notice can be quite challenging at times and often impossible during the fall and spring seasons (conventions).

I have no idea how many rooms are "too many" but I know for certain that during significant portions of the year, there are not "enough".

[HoustonIsHome]

Compared to Smaller cities, such as San Antonio, Denver, Dallas, Orlando, and others we are pretty shabby in the nearby hotels category.

In order for our convention industry to remain competitive, we do need a major increase in rooms.

The low lower end hotels Especially are in short supply

[jt16]

It's next to impossible to get a room downtown now. There is a huge need for more rooms downtown.

[Houston19514]

Perhaps not.  According to the 2025 GRB Development Plan, lack of proximate hotel rooms is the single biggest competitive disadvantage for Houston conventions.  At a minimum an additional 1000 rooms are required; to compete with, for example, Denver, we would have to double close-by hotel space.

 

From the GRB press release:  "The most pressing need identified in the 2025 Master Plan, which was issued to the public today, is the addition of at least 2,000 hotel rooms in the area surrounding the downtown convention center."

 

Edited April 1, 2014 by Houston19514

[downtownian]

Aloft is no longer listed on the Downtown Development Map. Still listed on Starwood's website however.

 

http://www.downtownhouston.org/site_media/uploads/attachments/2014-05-08/140505_Downtown_Houston_Development_Map_11x17.pdf

 

[arche_757]

^Hmmm....  Hopefully still happening?  Maybe they'll move down the line a bit into Midtown?

 

Sure would be a nice fit for the Stowers Bldg.  Oh well if that's off the boards.

[Urbannizer]

The Stowers Building is still planned to become an Aloft Hotel, the project was mentioned at yesterday's DRA meeting.

[Nate99]

The Stowers Building is still planned to become an Aloft Hotel, the project was mentioned at yesterday's DRA meeting.

 

Thanks for the update, I have not seen any activity there on my walks by the block.

[IronTiger]

Compared to Smaller cities, such as San Antonio, Denver, Dallas, Orlando, and others we are pretty shabby in the nearby hotels category.

In order for our convention industry to remain competitive, we do need a major increase in rooms.

The low lower end hotels Especially are in short supply

At least of those are more tourist-style cities. While downtown could use more moderately-priced hotels, the last thing downtown needs is a bunch of fleabag hotels. Leave Palace Inn and its ilk along the freeways.

Is Aloft a particularly upscale hotel? I'm in a low-rent house paying <$500 for a room and an Aloft is going up less than a mile away. By bike.

[Nate99]

Is Aloft a particularly upscale hotel? I'm in a low-rent house paying <$500 for a room and an Aloft is going up less than a mile away. By bike.

 

 

~$200/night at the one by the Galleria.

[DrLan34]

http://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/04-05-14-historic-building-to-become-newest-downtown-hotel-in-pre-super-bowl-rush/

 

 

[monarch]

~$200/night at the one by the Galleria.

upscale / fun... without being high end.  actually, it's a w hotel's little brother.  however, i cannot wait to view the renders as per the downtown aloft.  it needs to sparkle.  downtown houston, is in desperate need of fun.

[UtterlyUrban]

http://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/04-05-14-historic-building-to-become-newest-downtown-hotel-in-pre-super-bowl-rush/

While you may have posted this today, is this article not dated from to his past April? Not long after this, the project was removed from the downtown development map. May still be a real project or it may be dead. I don't know.

[DrLan34]

While you may have posted this today, is this article not dated from to his past April? Not long after this, the project was removed from the downtown development map. May still be a real project or it may be dead. I don't know.

 

You're right, it is from April, but urbannizer said the project was mentioned at a recent Downtown Redevelopment Authority meeting so I think we are good.

 

http://www.mainstreettirz.com/home.html 

Edited September 12, 2014 by DrLan34

[UtterlyUrban]

You're right, it is from April, but urbannizer said the project was mentioned at a recent Downtown Redevelopment Authority meeting so I think we are good.

http://www.mainstreettirz.com/home.html

Urbanizer certainly is dialed in but, I am at a loss as to why the project came off do the development map and has yet to come back on the map. It may be a timing issue? Perhaps the developers are still pursuing it as an active project but here are so many hurdles yet to jump that there is no really "starting estimate?"

Or, I guess it could be that the map is just not especially reliable.

[mollusk]

It's still showing up on Aloft's website, with a projected opening date of June 2016.  

 

There's not nearly as much work that must be done to the building as was the case with 806 Main.  The exterior has already been cleaned up and the interior is already gutted.  That projected date shouldn't be too hard to meet, even if they don't do much for a few more months.

 

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/directory/new-hotels/all/list.html?sortType=region

[Sky-guy]

Whats the Aloft West Houston?

 

[Urbannizer]

09092014_DRA_Minutes-Signed_and_Corrected.pdf

[UtterlyUrban]

I am at a total loss as to why this project was removed from the development map. I find the whole thing quite strange.

[102IAHexpress]

My boss was in negotiations to buy this property last year. After some site inspections we walked away. Perhaps unrelated, but I thought I would share.

[Avossos]

What's wrong with it?

[Mab]

 

 

• Aloft Houston Downtown: opening June 2016

http://www.houstonconventionctr.com/HomePage/PressRoom/NewHotels.aspx

[Mab]

 

 

Aloft Houston Downtown is expected to open at 820 Fannin St. next year. The hotel will be a redevelopment of the former 10-story Stowers Building.

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2015/01/16/galleria-area-aloft-hotel-sold-to-new-york-based.html

[UtterlyUrban]

The aloft website still indicates early summer of 2016.

To me, this is a mystery project. Listed On development maps then off. Folks "in the know" say it's definitely on but it has yet to start construction. Public information on star woods own website has a completion date that seems to be becoming tough to meet.

It's a mystery to me.

[BigFootsSocks]

If it's interior then wouldn't it not take as long to complete than a normal project? The State National Bank has progressed quickly.

[Nate99]

If it's interior then wouldn't it not take as long to complete than a normal project? The State National Bank has progressed quickly.

 

Re-fitting all of the plumbing and other facilities to build out hotel rooms has to take a while. Not of the same scope (or size) of 806 Main/JW Marriott, but that took a couple of years.

 

I walk by frequently and have never seen anyone going in or out of it.